A Behind-the-Scenes Chat with Olubode Mac Oserinde, Team Lead, Fanafillit Integrated Concepts
[dropcap]O[/dropcap]n Sunday, April 13, 2025, the Ikorodu Man of the Year & Outstanding Personalities Awards 2024 dazzled with elegance, vision, and a strong sense of communal pride. But behind the glitz, the glamour, and the thunderous applause stood a name that quietly orchestrated the magic: FANAFILLIT Integrated Concepts.
Also read: Rep. Babajimi Benson named Ikorodu man of the year 2024
From conceptual design to last-minute coordination, FANAFILLIT – led by the tireless creative force, Olubode Mac. Oserinde – transformed a long-running local tradition into a reimagined, high-octane showcase of community impact and excellence. In this exclusive Q&A, Olubode Mac. opens up on the inspiration, the grind, the triumphs, and the takeaways that shaped one of the most successful editions of IMOYA to date.
Get ready for a masterclass in event innovation, leadership, and community-rooted excellence – straight from the engine room.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about Fanafillit Integrated Concepts? What inspired its creation and core mission?
My name is Olubode Mac. Oserinde – a showbiz and media entrepreneur, altruist, monotheist, and humanist. I serve as the Team Lead at Fanafillit Integrated Concepts – a growing creative powerhouse with proven expertise in Talent Management, Event Production, Radio/TV Production, and Digital Media Consultancy.
Fanafillit was birthed from a desire to build a legacy brand that curates memorable experiences, grooms talents, and delivers creative solutions that inspire social impact and visibility, especially from the grassroots to global relevance. Our mission is to transform visions into reality, crafting concepts that resonate and leave lasting impressions.
How did FANAFILLIT become involved in the Ikorodu Man of The Year & Outstanding Personalities Awards 2024?
The invitation came from the project owner, Prince Adedamola Aderibigbe – my former employer and longtime associate – who asked me to bring the same energy we invest in GLOWFUX and other FANAFILLIT productions to this year’s awards. I appreciated the gesture, but made it clear that I’d bring in my brand. That was the only way I could own it, run it with passion, and align it with the professional standards FANAFILLIT is known for. And that’s exactly what we did.
What exactly was your company’s role as the packaging consultant for this event?
From the ground up, FANAFILLIT collaborated closely with the project owners to redesign the award’s concept and make it more impactful and inclusive.. Our responsibilities encompassed:
- Consulting on nominee selection for the Outstanding Personalities Awards.
- Engaging with Rep. Babajimi Benson to secure his acceptance of the Ikorodu Man of The Year 2024 award.
- Developing comprehensive marketing, publicity, and communication strategies.
- Coordinating media buying and onboarding supporting brands.
- Overseeing event execution and coordination to ensure a seamless experience.
From planning to execution, what were some of the key contributions FANAFILLIT made to the success of the awards ceremony?
Our contributions spanned several critical areas:
- Conceptualization: We reimagined the event structure, introducing a two-part ceremony to distinguish between the Outstanding Personalities Awards and the Ikorodu Man of The Year segment.
- Entertainment Fusion: We curated a diverse lineup, including Ewi recitations by Obawale Alalaye Oro, saxophone performances by Dom Sax, drama by D’Bard Creative Media, spoken word by Omo’oba Peju Akinyemi Jnr., hypeman sessions with Hypeman Boyo, and live music by Sesan Feelings and his band.
- Aesthetic Excellence: We ensured top-notch decorations, professional hostesses, and efficient security personnel to enhance the event’s ambiance.
- Brand Integration: We facilitated the participation of both growing and national brands, such as Larmie Cocktails, Delish Goodness Treats, 12 Basket Foods, and Saheeto Small Chops, enriching the guest experience.
- Audience Engagement: We introduced special table reservations, offering guests premium services and a memorable experience.
We served as both creative architects and production managers.
How early did you start preparing for the event, and what were the stages of your involvement?
Planning began in mid-January 2025. Although the full launch kicked off in late February after JB’s unveiling, our involvement followed key phases:
- Ideation and consultation
- Stakeholder engagement and reviews
- Publicity and brand communication
- Vendor and supporting brands onboarding
- Full-scale event execution
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in packaging an event of that magnitude, and how did you and your team overcome them?
While it wasn’t our biggest project to date, it was our most symbolic project within Ikorodu Division – our turf. The biggest challenge was changing an existing structure. The event had run successfully for six editions, so introducing new creative directions involved a lot of back-and-forth. Funding was another hurdle. Yet we rose to the occasion through resourcefulness, teamwork, and an unwavering belief in our value.
Also, I must express deep appreciation for the unwavering support of individuals like Mayor Deen Sanwoola, Dr. Adeola Adebisi Banjo, Princess Aderoju Ladega-Akinjobi, Comrade Patricia Okosodo, Hon. Rukiat Salau “Jibike,” and Temidayo Phillips. Their encouragement and assistance were invaluable.
What are some unique creative ideas or innovations FANAFILLIT brought to the 2024 edition that made it stand out?
✅ Two-part Award Format: First time ever, the event was split into two parts. Separating the Outstanding Personalities Awards and the Ikorodu Man of The Year segment provided clarity and focus.
✅ Fusion of Entertainment: We curated a cultural bouquet – Ewi poetry, drama presentation, Saxophone performance, Spoken word performance, Stunt acts – all sewn into the program fabric.
✅ Event Styling: Professional ushers, beautifully laid tables, branded drinks, parfait stations, LED screen projections, live music and DJ – all elevated the prestige.
✅ Community + Corporate Synergy: First time we had growing brands like Larmie Cocktails, Delish Goodness Treats, and nationals like 12 Baskets and Saheeto – either supporting or vending onsite.
✅ Unprecedented Attendance: Three royal fathers graced the event, the turnout was overwhelming, and it trended across platforms.
We raised the bar. Plain and simple.
How did FANAFILLIT coordinate with vendors, entertainers, partners, and other stakeholders during the buildup to the event?
Coordination was both structured and intentional. We created a dedicated WhatsApp group for vendors and service providers, where expectations, timelines, and logistics were clearly communicated. Each category – decorators, DJs, ushers, security, caterers, entertainers, and media partners – was assigned a liaison from our team.
We conducted one-on-one onboarding, shared regular progress updates, ensured rehearsals where needed, and maintained professionalism throughout. Even amid tight budgets, we kept the relationship cordial and collaborative. That’s how we achieved harmony on the big day.
How has your brand been impacted by this project – and what’s next for FANAFILLIT?
This project gave us visibility, credibility, and validation. Many now understand that FANAFILLIT is more than charity concerts or artist grooming – we are capable of packaging high-impact events that deliver value to brands, leaders, and the community. We’ve received numerous commendations and inquiries, affirming our reputation as a reliable event production consultancy. What’s next? Bigger ideas, deeper collaborations, and nationwide footprints. We aim to expand our portfolio, taking on more ambitious projects and continuing to deliver excellence.
Also read: GLOWFUX Charity Concert 2024: Uniting hearts and transforming lives for special children
Finally, what would you say to aspiring event consultants and creatives who look up to FANAFILLIT as a model for excellence?
Be consistent. Don’t despise small beginnings. Hone your skill and invest in people. No brief is too small if it aligns with your vision. Most importantly, build a tribe -mentorship and loyal teammates saved us on this project. Be humble, stay professional, and let your results speak before your resume does.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
